A rare case of cryptococcal meningitis with infarction of the splenium of the corpus callosum in an immunocompetent patient: A case report.

Meningitis is a severe infection of the central nervous system. is an uncommon fungal agent that can cause meningitis and often manifests unusual symptoms. While this infection is more prevalent in immunocompromised patients, it can also affect immunocompetent patients.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Its Biomarkers.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive and fatal neurological disorder linked to repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and blows to the head. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of abnormally structured hyperphosphorylated tau proteins (p-tau), forming neurofibrillary tangles, astrocytic tangles, and neurites in the brain. CTE is often diagnosed post-mortem, making it challenging to diagnose and predict its progression in living individuals.

Comparison of the effect of different doses of phenylephrine infusion on the prevention of hypotension in the elderly under spinal anaesthesia in orthopaedic surgery.

Background: Considering the vasopressor drug categories and doses that can be used for elderly patients following hypotension are few, the present trial aimed to compare the effect of different doses of phenylephrine infusion on the prevention of hypotension in elderly patients undergoing orthopaedic lower extremities surgery.

Methods: This randomised, double-blind prospective clinical trial was conducted by including 60 elderly patients older than 60 years and classified as American Society of Anesthesiology class I and II who were candidates for femur fracture fixation surgery. White and black cards randomly allocated patients to: group A (25µg/kg/h phenylephrine) or group B (35µg/kg/h phenylephrine).

Environmental Heavy Metal Exposure and Associated Cardiovascular Diseases in Light of the Triglyceride Glucose Index.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), primarily ischemic heart disease and stroke, remain leading global health burdens. Environmental risk factors have a major role in the development of CVD, particularly exposure to heavy metals. The Triglyceride Glucose Index (TyG), a measure of insulin resistance and CVD risk, is the primary focus of this study, which summarizes the most recent findings on the effects of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and cadmium (Cd) on CVD risk.

Temporal and regional trends in adults with diabetics kidney disease in the US from 1999 to 2020.

Aims: We aim to analyze trends in mortality rates among adults with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the US from 1999 to 2020.

Methods: We queried the Centers for Disease Control Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database for mortality statistics from 1999 to 2020 associated with DKD in adults aged ≥25 years. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated and trends were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program.

Pattern of cytopenias and systemic immune-inflammation index among hospitalised patients of COVID-19.

Objective: To compare the extent of cytopenias and systemic immune inflammation index of hospitalised coronavirus disease-2019 patients during the first and second/third waves of the pandemic.

Methods: The retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2021 at Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised data of hospitalised coronavirus disease-2019 patients regardless of age and gender from May 2020 to June 2021. Data was segregated into first wave that lasted from May to July 2020, second wave that lasted from early November to mid-December 2020, and third wave that ranged from mid-March to June 2021.

Ancient Schawanoma of radial nerve: a rare case report.

Soft tissue swellings on the forearm can present with a range of clinical and histopathological diagnosis. Ancient Schawanoma is a rare benign condition that can develop over the flexor surface of the forearm as a cystic swelling and can involve the median or the ulnar nerve. However, the presentation of this condition on the extensor surface with involvement of the radial nerve is an extremely uncommon diagnosis.

Tirzepatide: A novel cardiovascular protective agent in type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major global health concern, and obesity and diabetes mellitus have been found to be important risk factors. Tirzepatide a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonist has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. Noteworthy benefits of Tirzepatide include decreased cardiovascular risk factors in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Outcomes of dual-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator for left bundle branch area pacing: A systematic review of literature.

Objective: This systematic review of literature aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dual-chamber ICDs for LBBAP in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB).

Methods: Digital databases were searched systematically to identify studies reporting the left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement in patients with LBBB. Detailed study and patient-level baseline characteristics including the type of study, sample size, follow-up, number of cases, age, gender, and baseline characteristics were abstracted.

Comparative Roles of IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, 1L-22, IL-33, and IL-37 in Various Cardiovascular Diseases With Potential Insights for Targeted Immunotherapy.

In recent years, the study of interleukins (ILs), crucial cytokines involved in immune response and inflammation, has garnered significant attention within the sphere of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The research has provided insights into the involvement of ILs in diverse CVDs, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and heart failure (HF). ILs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for drug interventions through their involvement in disease development and progression.

Advancements in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Techniques: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Mixed Studies and Practice Guidelines.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a widely used therapy for coronary artery disease (CAD), but it carries risks and complications. Adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines is crucial for optimal outcomes. This review compares the recommendations of the 2021 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (ACC/AHA/SCAI) and 2018 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for coronary artery revascularization and discusses emerging trends and novel devices in PCI.

Carotid Artery Stenosis: A Look Into the Diagnostic and Management Strategies, and Related Complications.

Carotid stenosis (CS) is a buildup of atherosclerotic plaque within the artery leading to a wide range of symptoms, from mild symptoms, including blurred vision and confusion, to much more life-threatening presentations, including paralysis due to stroke. The presentation is insidious, with symptoms exhibiting predominantly at severe stenosis; hence the emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle modifications. CS is seen undergoing almost the same pathogenesis of any atherosclerotic plaque formation, from endothelial damage of the artery lumen to the formation of a fibrous cap with a foam cell, lipid-filled core.

Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against metallo-β-lactamase and extended spectrum β-lactamase producing clinically procured isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Resistance to carbapenems is a global threat, especially in developing countries with limited health resources. Prevalence, antibiogram, PCR detection of antibiotic resistance genes, and potency of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa were studied. Kirby-Bauer disc method and PCR were used to study antibiogram and drug resistance genes respectively in 255 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa obtained from a tertiary care hospital.

The Effect of Berberine on Lipid Profile, Liver Enzymes, and Fasting Blood Glucose in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver disorders with a relatively high mortality rate. Berberine has recently been found to have some antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects, although the evidence of its effectiveness in NAFLD is limited. To assess the efficacy of berberine among patients with NAFLD.

Virtual Reality Fitness (VRF) for Behavior Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mediation Analysis Approach.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, cellphone health apps and virtual reality fitness for treating neurological disorders such as Parkinson's were beneficial. Virtual reality has been used to treat PTSD, depression, anxieties, dementia, ADHD, dyslexia, and pain control in various settings. Virtual reality exercise has been studied for its effects on biological, mental, rehabilitation, behavior, and attitude management.

Investigating the Relationship between Childbirth Type and Breastfeeding Pattern Based on the LATCH Scoring System in Breastfeeding Mothers.

Objective:  The role of breast milk in the physical and mental health of infants and in the prevention of infant death is widely known. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants have been proven, but several factors can affect breastfeeding. Childbirth is one of the most influential factors.

Comparison of physiotherapy with and without intra-articular corticosteroid injection for treatment of frozen shoulder: A comparative study.

Objective: To compare the combination of corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy with physiotherapy alone in patients of frozen shoulder in terms of SPADI score.

Methods: This study included 80 patients of either gender from PMC and affiliated hospitals of Faisalabad with ages between 18-55 years having frozen shoulder of either gender with more than 1 month duration. Patients having frozen shoulder secondary to trauma, cerebrovascular accident and taking steroid injections were excluded.

The Pattern of Superficial Lymphadenopathy on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Clinical Practice in Islamabad.

Background:  In adults, lymph nodes are not normally palpable. A number of patients with asymptomatic lymphadenopathy never visit physicians for the condition, and thus, this important sign is often missed by the medical practitioner if it is not the presenting complaint. The incidence of lymphadenopathy is suggested to be increasing.

Availability of personal protective equipment among dermatologists in the COVID-19 pandemic: Assessment and risk factors in a web-based, global study.

Background: The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) among dermatologists during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been studied.

Methods: We have assessed PPE availability among dermatologists and relevant aspects of hospital service by surveying 733 dermatologists.

Results: Considerable percentages of respondents had to purchase their own PPE (40.

Association study of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase 1 rs3027898 A/C gene polymorphism and preeclampsia in Pakistani population.

Objectives: To find the association between interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 rs3027898 gene polymorphism and preeclampsia.

Methods: The case-control study was conducted from October, 2018 to September, 2019 at the Railway General Hospital and the Department of Biochemistry, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised patients diagnosed with preeclampsia and healthy controls. The interleukin receptor-associated kinase-1 polymorphism was determined using multiplex tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction.

Comparing the Effects of Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy on Knee Pain, Morning Stiffness, Daily Life Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is the most common articular disease, and non-medical treatment of this disease has attracted the attention of researchers. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of aromatherapy and massage therapy on knee pain, morning stiffness, daily life function, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: This is a clinical trial.

Frequency of cervical radiculopathy among patients with chronic cervical pain in Lahore, Pakistan.

Objective: To determine the frequency of cervical radiculopathy in cases of non-traumatic chronic neck pain.

Methods: The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016 at the Department of Physiotherapy, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University, Lahore and comprised patients of either gender aged 20-50 years with chronic neck pain lasting more than 6 months. Data was collected using a 14-point self-administered questionnaire.